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King meets with Biden, Republican leaders in Washington

by JT | Feb 12, 2014 | 23:54

His Majesty King Abdullah and HRH Crown Prince Hussein meet with US Vice President Joe Biden in Washington, DC, on Wednesday (Photo courtesy of Royal Court)

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday met with US Vice President Joe Biden in Washington, DC and discussed the latest developments in the Middle East, particularly peace efforts and the Syrian crisis.

During the meeting, attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, the King and Biden discussed “strategic ties between Jordan and the US” and means to develop them at all levels, according to a Royal Court statement.

The Monarch continued his meetings with key members of the US Congress on Tuesday, during which talks covered regional developments and means to boost bilateral ties to best serve the interests of the two countries.

King Abdullah, accompanied by Crown Prince Hussein, met separately with Speaker of the US House of Representatives John Boehner and leaders of the Republican Party and then with the chairperson of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Ed Royce, along with the panel members.

Discussions focused on efforts to bring about peace in the Middle East and US efforts in this area. The King underlined Jordan’s commitment to achieve a comprehensive and just peace that protects its interests and strategic priorities, especially when it comes to final status issues.

His Majesty stressed that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state that lives side-by-side with Israel is a regional and global interest to bring about peace and foster security and stability in the region based on the two-state solution and the international resolutions, particularly the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative.

They also discussed the latest developments in Syria, with His Majesty reiterating the Kingdom’s stand in support of a comprehensive political solution to the crisis that ends the bloodshed and suffering of Syrians, and preserves the unity and cohesion of their country.

King Abdullah called on the international community to support Jordan’s relief efforts targeting Syrian refugees, who are placing a “huge” burden on the Kingdom’s scarce resources and affecting the quality of life in host communities, including infrastructure, health and education aspects.

On the other hand, the Monarch reviewed achievements realised under Jordan’s comprehensive reform drive aimed to enhance public participation in the decision-making process and push the development process forward.

Talks also covered challenges facing the region and means to overcome them in a way that ensures security and stability for its people, with focus on efforts exerted to combat terrorism and extremism, and entrench the concepts of tolerance and coexistence, according to the statement.

For their part, the lawmakers voiced their appreciation for the King’s efforts to bring about comprehensive peace, in addition to Jordan’s endeavours to provide humanitarian services to Syrian refugees.

They underlined their commitment to continued coordination with the Monarch over regional issues and stressed the need to support Jordan economically to help it face difficulties arising from the refugee influx.

In a statement issued by Boehner, he said the meeting was fruitful and that discussions covered a number of crucial issues, especially in relation to fighting all forms of terrorism and extremism that threaten the stability of the Middle East.

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